Interview with Marco de Koning

We estimate that the relevant market size for our company is around 6 billion euros. The market is still growing at a CAGR of 3 per cent. We do not have specific details on the current market size in India, but we estimate our relevant market size to be at around 10 per cent of the global size.

The upcoming markets include Asia-Pacific (APAC) and the Indian sub-continent, while growth is also expected in some countries of the African continent in the future.

By becoming a Bluesign system partner, we took yet another huge step forward towards a responsible, sustainable and greener textile future. Nowadays, in all industries, including the textile industry, environmental concerns and consumer protection have become increasingly important. We have stricter regulations for production methods and components for the hazards they pose to humans and the environment. To be able to comply with our customers' growing greener demands, we are committed to push our eco-efforts to the next level. In our company, we preach the values of an environmental, social and governance (ESG) policy. We offer solutions contributing to the reduction of energy consumption, water savings and reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD)/biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) values in effluents. Traditionally, we are known for our mineral chemistry. We offer systems like low-temperature bleaching which reduce energy consumption and one-bath scouring-and-dyeing systems which save water, energy and process time. We started a promotion campaign in September 2015 on our formaldehyde-free crosslinker Acrafix FF, complying with the changes in legislation as per January 2016. This is one of the examples of our many formaldehyde-free solutions. Furthermore, our range of polyurethane dispersions does not contain any restricted substance.

There are quite a few. 1. Extreme whiteness: We have started the promotion of our concept 'Extreme Whiteness'. Yellowing of polyamide (PA)/ elastodiene (EL) fabrics by storage (phenolic), heat setting (processing) or nitrogen oxide (NOx) is a big problem. We offer an integral process from pre-treatment to finishing instead of one step. This way, we can work on all root causes of yellowing. The process protects the amino groups during heat, setting and blocking the negative influences of harmful substances. 2. Optimised ink-jet printing for textiles: Our Tanajet range for preparation of ink-jet fabrics offers an optimised concept consisting of an easy-handling, anti-migration agent in combination with fibre-related auxiliary systems. With Tanajet, it is possible to create optimised recipes to reach brilliant, deep shades and contour sharpness shades on cotton, viscose, wool, silk, polyamide, polyester and mixtures. 3. Perfect dyeing: We are also launching the 'Perfect Dyeing' concept for polyester. This concept enables dyeing houses to shorten the process time. Increased dispersing or levelling power and diffusion acceleration allows for a reduced dyeing temperature. Because of the shorter dyeing time, the dyed fabric is also less stressed, which leads to better qualities. Tanatex will also launch a couple of new finishing polyurethanes, which will extend the already existing strong product-line. These new products will mainly focus on stretch, recovery and novelty retention.

Systems - which contribute to protecting the environment and reduce the processing and energy costs. A very good example is our Express FR concept. By adding this system to the existing dye-bath, a polyester fabric can be made permanently flame-retardant. No additional processes or passes are needed, and thus no additional energy is used.

Our revenue in technical textile auxiliaries is around 15 per cent of our total revenue, and this percentage is growing annually.

Currently, we spend around 3 per cent of our total revenue on R&D; and this percentage will grow in the coming years, since we believe in innovative concepts providing solutions and savings to our customers.